Geography / US / Source: OSHA
SAR/SCBA BREATHING AIR REQUIREMENTS CHECKLIST
Problem
If your workers use atmosphere-supplying respirators, i.e., Supplied-Air Respirators (SARs) and Self-Contained Breathing Apparatuses (SCBA), the OSHA Respiratory Protection Standard (1910.134(i)) requires you to ensure that the breathing air supplied meets standards for quality, quantity and flow.
How the Tool Helps Solve the Problem
The following Checklist, which comes from OSHA guidelines, will help you: i. do a self-assessment and determine if you comply with OSHA requirements for SAR/SCBA breathing air and, ii. remain in compliance going forward.
CHECKLIST FOR ATMOSPHERE-SUPPLYING RESPIRATOR BREATHING AIR
√Check to make sure that your facility has met the following requirements:
GENERAL
[ ] Compressed breathing air meets the requirementsfor Grade D breathing air.
[ ] Compressed oxygen is not used in respirators thathave previously used compressed air.
[ ] Oxygen concentrations greater than 23.5 percentare used only in equipment designed for oxygenservice or distribution.
[ ] Breathing air couplings are incompatible withoutlets for other gas systems.
[ ] Breathing gas containers are marked inaccord with the NIOSH certification standard.
[ ] Carbon monoxide levels are monitored for bothoil and gas compressors.
BREATHING AIR CYLINDERS
[ ] Cylinders are tested and maintained according toDOT 49 CFR Parts 173 and 178.
[ ] A certificate of analysis for breathing air has beenobtained from the supplier.
[ ] Moisture content in the cylinder does not exceeda dew point of -50°F at 1 atmosphere pressure.
COMPRESSORS
[ ] Are constructed and situated to prevent contaminatedair from getting into the system.
[ ] Are set up to minimize the moisture content.
[ ] Are equipped with in-line air-purifying sorbentbeds and filters that are maintained or replacedfollowing manufacturer’s instructions.
[ ] Are tagged with information on the most recentchange date of the filter and an authorizingsignature.
[ ] Carbon monoxide does not exceed 10 ppm in thebreathing air from compressors that are not oillubricated.
[ ] High-temperature or carbon monoxide alarms areused on oil-lubricated compressors; monitor theair often enough to ensure that carbon monoxidedoes not exceed 10 ppm if only a high-temperature alarm is used
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